Child Abuse Charges

Child abuse is a frequent occurrence throughout Washington, and between school administrators, child protective services, and law enforcement officials, many individuals are arrested and charged with this type of violent crime every day.

Child abuse includes such acts as sexual abuse, molestation, sexual exploitation, or injury of a child by any person under circumstances which harm the child’s health, welfare, or safety. Neglectful behavior also constitutes child abuse in many situations where a caretaker fails to provide a child with basic human needs. One reason so many people are charged with child abuse are because of the laws and regulations placed upon certain professions.

Child sexual abuse or assault is defined as the contact or interaction between a child and an adult when the child is being used for sexual stimulation of the perpetrator. Sexual abuse occurs any time a child is engaged in a sexual situation with an older person, regardless of whether or not physical contact is made.

Any report of child abuse will be received by Child Protective Services who will then determine whether the report raises reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. If they decide that further action should be taken, they will take measures to investigate the matter further and may visit the child’s home and conduct interviews with the caretaker, child and accused abuser.

If child abuse is suspected after these meetings, the case will go to court and will be turned over to a state prosecutor. The exact consequences for a child abuse conviction differ depending on the seriousness of the injuries suffered by the child, the use of weapons during the commission of the crime, and whether or not the defendant has an existing criminal record.

Child Molestation Charges

Child molestation is a crime involving a range of indecent or sexual activities between an adult and child. In the state of Washington, it is illegal for an adult to touch any portion of a child’s body with a “lewd and lascivious” intent. Consent is not a matter of consideration and it not available as a defense to a charge of child molestation, even if it can be proven that the victim was a willing participant.

A sex act or improper touching is still considered a crime because children cannot legally consent to anything. When an individual is charged with child molestation, there is more at stake than just a person’s freedom. Reputations, relationships, and careers can be ruined by child molestation charges and it will take a skilled and highly effective attorney to combat charges as serious as these.

When facing charges as serious and highly criticized as these, your lawyer will be very important in reducing the long-term effects these charges will have on your future. Our sex crime defense lawyers have the experience and legal know-how necessary to effectively defend you against child molestation charges.

Lynnwood Child Abuse Lawyers

The attorneys at our firm represent Washington residents who have been charged with child abuse or child neglect. Certain cases of child abuse are considered to be violent crimes which will only elevate the severity of the charges.

When facing child abuse charges, you will need a Lynnwood child abuse lawyer who is capable of professionally and efficiently handling this type of offense. The attorneys at our law firm have the experience and skills necessary to protect your rights and make sure you are not convicted of this crime.